Residential Treatment Services

Youth are referred for Residential Treatment Services by county agencies across Wisconsin, while Shelter Care Services are primarily available to youth residing in Waukesha County with access by other counties available through contracts.  

All referrals are carefully reviewed to ensure the program can best meet each youth’s individual needs. Whenever possible, our staff meet with youth being referred and their families prior to placement to gather additional referral information, build rapport, and answer any questions there may be related to admission. Placement appropriateness is determined using a holistic, trauma-informed lens, considering factors such as identified strengths and treatment needs, risk of harm to self or others, delinquency and placement history, family involvement, medical needs, and recommended level of care based on assessments such as the CANS. In addition, careful consideration is given to the current campus environment to ensure the safety, supervision, and overall well-being of all youth in care.  

While our admissions team identifies whether or not our programming can meet the needs of a youth, placement may only occur in accordance with a dispositional court order. Youth receiving Residential Treatment Services are placed through a Child in Need of Protection and Services (CHIPS) and/or Juvenile in Need of Protection and Services (JIPS) court order. Shelter Care placements may also occur in accordance with a Temporary Physical Custody (TPC). 

For questions or to refer a youth for Residential Treatment  or Shelter Care Services, please contact:  admissions@norriscenter.org.

Admissions

Being away from home is almost certainly overwhelming for youth and their families. Our staff aim to alleviate some of those feelings by making our admissions process as planful and deliberate as possible.

Prior to admission, families receive a packet containing necessary consent forms as well as a list of what items youth can and should bring with them. Families are encouraged to attend and participate in their child’s admission, and every attempt is made to accommodate families’ schedules.  Below you will find links to some of the resources provided to youth and families upon admission.